Great Dane Family Weekend

September 18 to September 20, 2026

Get Ready for Family Weekend!

The Great Dane Family Weekend is scheduled for Friday, September 18, to Sunday, September 20, 2026. We're looking forward to welcoming families to campus for a weekend of fall fun.
 

Register for Family Weekend
Explore Weekend Activities
Registration & Cancellation Information

The $40 Family Weekend registration fee includes:

  • Parking in designated Family Weekend parking lots
  • Access to Family Weekend events, educational sessions and activities
  • Access to purchase admission to ticketed Family Weekend events
  • Family Weekend giveaway item: UAlbany Belt Bag (one per family)
  • Online registration services, registration materials, facility rentals, staff and service fees

Some events require additional fees or advance registration, which families can select while registering for Family Weekend. Families can create their own schedules and choose which events, sessions and activities they would like to attend based on availability, interest and budget.


Register for Family Weekend
 

Note:

  • Registration closes at 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) Friday, September 11, 2026.
  • Cancellations, reservation changes and refunds will only be honored if completed by 12 p.m. EST Friday, September 11, 2026. Football tickets are not refundable.
  • Onsite registration will not be offered.

2026 Family Weekend Activities

Download campus maps.

activities
Friday, September 18, 2026

Geocache at UAlbany

When: All day Friday, September 18, 2026

Where: Various campus locations

What: Geocaching is the world’s largest treasure hunt! There are millions of cleverly hidden containers called geocaches just waiting to be found. We’ve planted several on campus to help you explore! Pick up a flier at Family Weekend Check-in to get started.

 

AcaDamien’s Bookstore

When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026

Where: Campus Center, Lower Level

What: Grab some UAlbany gear at AcaDamien’s Bookstore to show off your Great Dane Pride!

 

Anytime Dining with Your Student

When: Noon to 10 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026

Where: Retail Dining options in the Campus Center

What: Explore retail dining options and review dining hours of operation. Please pay at the cashier.

 

UAlbany Field Hockey versus Rutgers

When: 1 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026

Where: Alumni Turf, Athletics Complex

What: Cheer on UAlbany’s field hockey team! Admission is free.

 

Family Weekend Check-in

When: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026

Where: Campus Center, Go Desk (near Starbucks)

What: Welcome to UAlbany! Families who registered for the weekend may pick up their welcome packet, campus map and get their family weekend questions answered at check-in.

 

Family 3v3 Basketball Game

When: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026

Where: Outdoor Basketball Courts (located by Dutch Quad)

What: Lace up your sneakers and join us for a fun, family-friendly afternoon on the court! Choose from, self-officiated 3v3 team basketball games, HORSE, or freestyle pick up. All equipment will be provided, please wear athletic shoes.

 

Family Movie Night

When: 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026

Where: Republic Records Music Hall, located in the Campus Center

What: Enjoy a free screening of Toy Story 5 with your family.

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Geocache at UAlbany

When: All day Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Various campus locations

What: Geocaching is the world’s largest treasure hunt! There are millions of cleverly hidden containers called geocaches just waiting to be found. We’ve planted several on campus to help you explore! Pick up a flier at Family Weekend Check-in to get started.

 

Family Weekend Check-in

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Campus Center, Go Desk (near Starbucks)

What: Welcome to UAlbany! Families who registered for the weekend may pick up their welcome packet, campus map and get their family weekend questions answered at check-in.

Take a moment to relax and recharge throughout the day at our Hospitality Station in the Great Dane Lounge adjacent to check-in, featuring complimentary refreshments graciously provided by Great Dane Hospitality, by Aramark. Whether you're looking for a quick pick-me-up or a place to pause between activities, we invite you to stop by and enjoy their generous hospitality.

 

AcaDamien’s Bookstore

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Campus Center, Lower Level

What: Grab some UAlbany gear at AcaDamien’s Bookstore to show off your Great Dane Pride!

 

Mindful Morning Yoga

When: 9:15 to 10 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Entry Plaza Grassy field (Rain Location: Exercise Studio at The Well located on Colonial Quad)

What: At UAlbany, we recognize that student success is closely connected to overall well-being, and we are committed to providing opportunities that support both physical and mental wellness. Come get some gentle movement in during morning yoga and stretch. No prior experience required. All equipment will be provided. Comfortable clothes are suggested.

 

Explore Education Abroad

When: 9:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Campus Center Boardroom

What: UAlbany students can gain a global perspective by taking classes, completing internships or engaging in community service throughout the world. Learn how to apply and pay for an education abroad experience.

 

Career Development Starts Now!

When: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Campus Center Boardroom

What: It’s never too early to start career planning. Career skills are learned skills, and this program will explain how Career & Professional Development helps students develop these skills.

 

Weekend Brunch

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: State Dining Hall and Indigenous Dining Hall

What: Enjoy all-you-care-to-eat dining in one of our two dining halls. Pay by cash or credit card at the cashier ($16.00 per person). Review dining hall menus.

 

UAlbany Trolley Tour

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Campus Center Bus Loop

What: Take a ride on UAlbany’s electric trolley with a UAlbany Student Ambassador. Note: The trolley runs continuously throughout the event on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is limited, so please plan for potential wait times, especially during peak periods. We appreciate your patience!

 

Purple Pantry (Food Pantry) Open House

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Campus Center Main third floor

What: Learn how UAlbany's Food Pantry supports students by providing access to nutritious food and essential items. Meet staff, tour the space, and discover how this important resource helps reduce barriers so students can focus on their academic success.

 

Purple Threads (Clothing Closet) Open House

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Campus Center Main third floor

What: Visit UAlbany's Purple Threads closet and learn how students can access free professional attire and other essentials. Explore how this resource promotes confidence, supports career readiness, and helps students meet everyday needs with dignity.

 

Veteran Student Lounge Open House

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Campus Center Main third floor

What: Stop by the Veteran Student Lounge to learn about the resources, programs, and community available to military-connected students. Discover how UAlbany supports veterans and their families throughout the college experience.

 

Disability Access and Inclusion Student Testing Center Open House

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Testing Center in Science Library 112

What: Learn how DIASS (Disability Access and Inclusion Student Services) partners with students to provide equal access to academics and campus life. Discover the services, accommodations, and resources that help students thrive at UAlbany.

 

Ways to Promote Well-being

When: 10:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Campus Center Boardroom 

What: At UAlbany, we recognize that well-being is a necessary precursor to any type of academic or personal success. Join us for a conversation on how we can promote well-being for your loved one while they’re a student and beyond.

 

Family Donor Appreciation Hour

When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Campus Center, Multi-Purpose Room

What: Join fellow family donors and alumni members of the Student Affairs & Enrollment Advisory Board for light refreshments as a thank you for being a Proud Parent & Family Donor. This event is by invite only; make a gift by September 16, 2026, to be included. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

 

Nature Walk Hosted by our Office of Sustainability

When: 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Great Dane Lounge (adjacent to check in area). Rain Location: Campus Center Collaboration Lounge Main level

What: Refresh your mind and body with a guided 45-minute nature walk. Visit the Heritage Garden, Parker Pond, and discover the trees, plants, and green spaces that contribute to UAlbany's vibrant campus ecosystem. This easy-paced outing offers an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and experience the natural beauty of UAlbany while connecting with fellow families.

 

Esports Open House & Mario Kart Tournament

When: 12:00 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Esports Arena (Located within the Lecture Center Concourse)

What: Tour our state-of-the-art Esports Arena, meet members of our Esports community, and jump into the action with a family-friendly Mario Kart tournament. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or picking up a controller for the first time, all ages and skill levels are welcome.

 

Farmer’s Market Sampling Hosted by Great Dane Hospitality

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Dutch Lawn outside of Campus Center West (Rain Location Campus Center Small Fountain)

What: Experience a taste of campus at our Family Weekend Farmers Market! Join Great Dane Hospitality for a special farmers market-style event featuring some of the locally sourced products that help nourish our campus community throughout the year. Sampling includes: Ronnybrook Farm Dairy, locally roasted coffee from Chris’ Coffee, Fresh apple cider from Red Jacket Orchards and delicious cider donuts from Rockland Bakery.

 

Photos with Damien the Great Dane

When: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Near the Family Weekend Barbeque tent, between Broadview Center and Casey Stadium

What: Get your photo taken with UAlbany’s mascot, Damien the Great Dane!

 

Great Dane Family Weekend Barbeque

When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Family Weekend Barbeque tent, between Broadview Center and Casey Stadium

What: Enjoy food and pre-game activities outside the stadium. Lunch tickets were available for purchase when registering for Family Weekend but are now sold out.

Prices:

  • $25 per adult
  • $20 per UAlbany student
  • $15 per child (ages 10 or under)

Menu:

  • Grilled Chicken Sandwich
  • BBQ Pork Sandwich
  • Veggie Burger
  • Potato Salad
  • Vegetarian Pasta Salad
  • Potato Chips
  • Apple Cider Donuts
  • Water
  • Cold Apple Cider

 

UAlbany Football versus Monmouth

When: 3:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Tom and Mary Casey Stadium

What: Come cheer on your UAlbany Great Danes as they take on the Monmouth Hawks.

Tickets & Parking: Football tickets are available for purchase separate from Family Weekend registration.

  • Use promo code UAFAMILY26 to add a student seat to your order for $1.50.
  • If you plan to tailgate in Game Day parking lots, you must also purchase Game Day parking ($15 in advance, $20 same day). Game Day parking gives you access to parking that is close to Casey Stadium for tailgating.
  • If preferred, families can leave their vehicles in the designated Family Weekend parking lots, which are included in Family Weekend registration, and walk to Casey Stadium for the football game.

 

An Evening in the Campus Center

When: 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Campus Center, Lower Level

What: Enjoy a live performance in the Campus Center. Fun for the whole family!

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Weekend Brunch

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, September 20, 2026

Where: State Dining Hall and Indigenous Dining Hall

What: Enjoy all-you-care-to-eat dining in one of our two dining halls. Pay by cash or credit card at the cashier ($16.00 per person). Review dining hall menus.

 

AcaDamien’s Bookstore

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, September 20, 2026

Where: Campus Center, Lower Level

What: Grab some UAlbany gear at AcaDamien’s Bookstore to show off your Great Dane Pride!

 

UAlbany Field Hockey versus UMass

When: 1 p.m. Sunday, September 20, 2026

Where: Alumni Turf, Athletics Complex

What: Cheer on UAlbany’s field hockey team! Admission is free.

Off-campus Accommodations & Activities

For additional information, please visit UAlbany’s About the Capital Region webpage. 

 

Nearby Hotels

 

Activities

 

Parks & Recreation

 

Apple Orchards

 

Shopping & Dining